Fireworks and your animals

• Keep dogs indoors and close all windows, doors and flaps.
• Ensure that your dog wears a collar and tag at all times and is also microchipped.  If he does manage to escape this will help to return him safely to you.
• Exercise your dog during daylight, before you expect the fireworks to begin.
• If possible, draw the curtains and put on the TV or radio to help mask the noise.
• Let your dog hide if he wants to.  Do not try to coax him out.
• Never show anger to your dog if he appears restless or frightened.
• Try not to go out and leave your dog alone.
• If you know your dog is particularly fearful, plan ahead and create a quiet area for him with a ‘den’ and some of his favourite toys. 
• Speak to your vet about the Dog Appeasing Pheromone, a simple plug-in diffuser that disperses a calming chemical into a room which is safe and easy to use.

• Keep cats indoors and close all windows, doors and flaps.
• Ensure your cat is microchipped.  This will help to return it safely should it escape.
• If possible, draw the curtains and put on the TV or radio to help mask the noise.
• Ensure your cat has somewhere to hide and do not try to coax it out.
• Try not to go out and leave your cat alone.
• Speak to your vet about using a cat pheromone spray or diffuser to calm it.

• Do not forget that small animals living outside can become distressed by firework noise.
• Give your pet extra bedding for it to burrow in.
• If possible bring hutches or cages indoors or into an outhouse, garage or garden shed for extra protection.
• If your pet has to stay outside partly cover it's cage with thick blankets or duvets and turn it so it faces towards a wall or fence.  Make sure the animal can still see out and remember to leave enough ventilation.

• Horses often bolt from firework noise and become injured so try to ensure that they are stabled during displays.
• Keep stable doors closed so fireworks are not in view.
• If possible, you or a friend should stay with the horse and try to ensure it stays calm and safe.

• Bonfires can be fatal for wildlife such as hedgehogs, which often crawl into them to sleep.
• Build your bonfire as late as possible to reduce this risk and make sure you disturb the foundations of the bonfire before lighting to give any wildlife a chance to escape.